Tensions reign anew at Fort Bonifacio

TENSIONS reigned anew at the disputed Fort Bonifacio spread of real estate when a member of Taguig City’s Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) was arrested on Wednesday by Makati Police.

Kim Pautin, POSO’s officer-in-charge said they received reports that one of their members was arrested by Makati police personnel after he allegedly crossed the boundary line and attempted to install banners within the city’s territory.

Reacting to the incident, Pautin said they will not tolerate any ”acts of impropriety and misconduct” committed by their men.

“If our personnel are guilty of such, then let the ax fall where it must. They should be dealt with in pursuance to the law,” he said.

However, Taguig city also turned the tables against Makati City as it received reports that the Makati police also exceeded their jurisdiction by making an arrest inside Taguig police jurisdiction.

“We hope that all of those involved will be dealt with accordingly, not only those from Taguig,” Pautin said.

He also said that all members of the Makati police who have violated the directive of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) should also be made to account for any wrongdoing.

“All the Makati personnel who overstretched their operations into Taguig territory should also be subjected to the same inquiry,” added Pautin.

Meanwhile, the Makati city government will file contempt charges against NCRPO Director Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr. and other officers of the over their refusal to comply with the Court of Appeals ruling returning to Makati jurisdiction over the inner Fort.

“We will bring them to court. The NCRPO is duty bound to enforce the decision of the Court of Appeals. Their refusal to do so can be seen as open defiance of the court,” Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay of Makati said.

“The decision is clear. The injunction order has been lifted. Makati can now resume exercising jurisdiction. This is something that law enforcers know and there should be no second guessing here,” he added.

Media reports quoted NCRPO deputy director for administration Chief Supt. Pat Hernandez as saying that Fort Bonifacio, including Bonifacio Global City, will remain under the control of the Taguig City Police.

NCRPO spokesperson Chief Insp. Robert Domingo reportedly confirmed the announcement, stating that pending directives from higher headquarters (of the Philippine National Police), they will observe the status quo.